OUT NOW | Violinist Aleksey Semenenko's New "Crossroads" Super Audio CD

Semenenko will perform excerpts from the disc's repertoire with pianist Artem Belogurov in a Wigmore Hall recital — to be streamed on The Violin Channel and broadcast as BBC Radio 3’s Lunchtime Concert on November 8 at 8 AM ET

Released today, the disc features André Previn's Violin Sonata No. 2 composed in 2011 for Anne-Sophie Mutter in addition to Tony Schemmer and Paul Gay's Violin and Piano Sonatas, composed in the 1980s and appearing here on a recording for the first time. 

"One of the great things about playing modern music is that you can get to know and understand the composers, and it was a privilege to work closely with Tony Schemmer and Paul Gay," Aleksey told us. "They were both present at the recording sessions and were able to explain how they wanted details."

"The process of working with a composer is fascinating and proves that there is a freedom of interpretation, whether you’re working on pieces from the 21st century, or the 17th or 18th centuries. As artists, we sometimes think we are restricted by the notes on the page, but when you work with living composers you realize that many things are open.

"When I first learn a piece, I try to do it with my heart right away, while also analyzing the score, without the instrument. Where does the phrase lead, what is the mood, what is the structure, what is the harmony? I work from the orchestral score on the piano. By playing the whole harmony and hearing all the voices, you can understand and feel it in several dimensions rather than one flat plane. That makes it easier to be open to change your mind as you shape phrases, so although when I'm on stage, I usually have a plan, I'm not afraid to turn away from it.

"In chamber music, you have to be open to other people, interpretations, imaginations, personalities. It’s teamwork, and something different always happens," he added.

To purchase the record, click here.